A medical card entitles you to a range of health services free of charge these include:

• Family doctor service, including a choice of family doctor
• Prescribed medicines
• Prescribed medical appliances where available
• Out-patient services at hospital
• In-patient services in a public ward in a public hospital
• Consultant services
• Mother and baby services
• Dental, eyes and ears services
• Public health nursing services

The process involves completion of an application form which can be collected from your local community care centre or can be downloaded from the health service executive website at HSE Medical Card and GP Visit Card Form

GP Visit Card

GP visit card holders are entitled to the services of a General Practitioner free of charge. The application process is the same for that of medical cards and the relevant form can be downloaded form the HSE website at HSE Medical Card and GP Visit Card Form

If you do not qualify for a GMS card or if your medication is not allowed under the GMS, you may be entitled to get it through the hardship scheme, which considers both the applicant's financial circumstances and the medical necessity for the supply of items. Contact your local health centre for further details.